Chicago Defender: National Kidney Foundation of Illinois Thanks the 1,400 Who Walked for Kidneys

From The Chicago Defender

The 24th annual Walk for Kidneys took place at Diversey Harbor in June, where the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) warmly received a gathering of 1,400 patients, family members, friends and supporters of those with kidney disease.

Individuals throughout Chicagoland came together to wholeheartedly support NKFI’s objective of enhancing the health and welfare of individuals who are at risk or impacted by kidney disease. By organizing fundraising activities, they successfully generated over $237,000 in funds, which will be allocated directly to NKFI’s essential programs. These funds will enable the organization to deliver crucial services to individuals affected by or susceptible to kidney disease throughout the state of Illinois.

“We cannot thank Chicagoland enough for the vital support it provides consistently to the work that we do to support those impacted by kidney diseases across this state,” said Jacqueline Burgess-Bishop, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. “This disease does not discriminate, but our Black and Brown communities are disproportionately impacted by kidney disease. It is only with the community’s help that we can change the trajectory of this disease.”

NKFI also thanks Baxter International, Inc. for being presenting sponsor of the 24th Annual Walk for Kidneys. Other sponsors include Associates in Nephrology, Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana, Cook County Meds Disposal Initiative, Fresenius Kidney Care, NxStage, Rush University Medical Center, Somatus, and more. If you missed the walk, you can still donate to the cause by visiting www.nkfi.org/walk.

According to data, approximately 1 out of every 3 adults in the United States faces the possibility of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), while 1 out of every 7 adults in this country already has CKD. NKFI aims to improve these numbers by providing public education about the risk factors, extending support to individuals living with the disease, and investing in research initiatives.

“Malone & Muhammad” was one of this year’s top fundraising teams. Team captain Keisha Malone launched the team because her husband and brother are both living with kidney disease. The team raised over $3,200 and rallied more than 30 team members.